sunburn

verb

sun·burn | \ ˈsən-ˌbərn

sunburned\ ˈsən-ˌbərnd

\ or sunburnt\ ˈsən-ˌbərnt

\; sunburning

Definition of sunburn

(Entry 1 of 2)

transitive verb

: to burn or discolor by the sun

intransitive verb

: to become sunburned

sunburn

noun

Definition of sunburn (Entry 2 of 2)

: inflammation of the skin caused by overexposure to ultraviolet radiation especially from sunlight

Examples of sunburn in a Sentence

Noun

He has a bad sunburn. Use sunscreen to prevent sunburn.

Recent Examples on the Web: Verb

Light- or short-coated dogs can get sunburned, so ask your vet for recommendations on canine sunscreen because some human sunscreens are toxic if your pet licks them off. — Arricca Sansone, Country Living, "Everything You Need to Know About Hiking With Your Dog," 12 Feb. 2019 There may be lingering pain, soreness, or sensitivity after a tattoo, which can feel similar to sunburn or a bruise. — Lucy Diavolo, Teen Vogue, "A Tattoo Artist's Guide to Your First Tattoo," 2 Jan. 2019 Your eyes, like your skin, can get sunburned when they’re exposed to too much sunlight. — Korin Miller, SELF, "5 Entirely Preventable Eye Injuries Doctors See Way Too Often," 1 Nov. 2018 The tanning ethos dates back to The early 1920s, when Coco Chanel inadvertently got sunburned on the French Riviera — or, some say, on a cruise near there. — Alison Rose, Town & Country, "Hot Pursuit," 16 Dec. 2012 Cindie Allen-Stewart, of Mount Calm, shared her decades-old family secret on Facebook hoping to help some friends who, like her, are prone to sunburn despite using sunscreen. — Jennifer Earl, Fox News, "Texas mom's viral sunburn hack works, but it's not 'magical cure,' dermatologists warn," 3 July 2018 The child’s head, sunburned under the blond velvet, rested on the woman’s strong arm. — Lauren Groff, The New Yorker, "Under the Wave," 9 July 2017 If Tuohy were running barefoot, the bottom of her feet might be sunburned by the end of a long race. — Matthew Futterman, New York Times, "America’s Next Great Running Hope, and One of the Cruelest Twists in Youth Sports," 8 June 2018 And now, aloe and hopefully goodbye to sunburn pain. — Amy Bartner, Indianapolis Star, "Sunburns: Race weekend's top lobsters," 29 May 2018

Recent Examples on the Web: Noun

Classic Toquilla Straw Panama Hat Sensi Studio net-a-porter.com $125.00 SHOP IT Spare your forehead an unfortunate sunburn while looking effortlessly chic with a straw fedora. — Jaimie Potters, Marie Claire, "Where to Stay, Eat, and Explore in Nantucket, Massachusetts," 10 May 2019 The cold lotion will feel great on your hot skin and the antioxidants will regenerate skin cells, hopefully turning your sunburn into a nice tan! — Amanda Elser, Seventeen, "Tip From Inside the Beauty Closet: Sunburn First-Aid Kit!," 14 June 2013 Skip on the sunscreen Retinoids can make skin extra sensitive to the sun, causing sunburns or, more annoyingly, discoloration, so load up on SPF 30 or higher each morning. — Chloe Metzger, Marie Claire, "What Is Retinol: The Beginner's Guide to Anti-Aging Products," 23 Aug. 2018 Lemon, lime, orange, lavender, and bergamot oils can cause severe sunburn if applied to the skin followed by exposure to sunlight or tanning beds. — Philly.com, "Essential oils: Why 'natural' doesn't always mean safe," 22 May 2018 Intriguingly, Venus' upper atmosphere also abounds with a mysterious compound that absorbs ultraviolet (UV) radiation, the high-energy light that causes sunburns here on Earth. — Mike Wall, Space.com, "Life on Venus? Why It's Not an Absurd Thought," 16 Apr. 2018 Avoid irritation and sunburn with the Good Housekeeping Institute's picks below. — Blake Bakkila, Good Housekeeping, "Here's Exactly How You Should Order Your Daily Skincare and Makeup Routine," 29 Aug. 2018 Weary attendees squeezed in one last thing before heading home with bags of merchandise, sore feet, some sunburns and fewer dollars in their bank accounts. — Lindsey Bahr, The Seattle Times, "5 of the biggest takeaways from Comic-Con 2018," 23 July 2018 Aside from being the longest day of the year and marking the start of the season for sunburns and cookouts, the summer solstice happens when the sun is directly over the Tropic of Cancer, according to the National Weather Service. — Patricia Madej, Philly.com, "Summer solstice 2018: What it is and how to celebrate in Philly," 21 June 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'sunburn.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.